The most crucial aspect of divorce is choosing a divorce lawyer; the following attributes are the most desirable:
• Skillful in this type of case
• Have the right frame of mind for this type of work
• Proven to be reliable
Whilst it is nice to know your attorney is good in divorce battles it will be to your advantage to choose one with a good mediation record. It also follows that you feel comfortable with them and feel confident they will serve you well.
Mediation minded attorneys are more likely to give you problem solving advice, whereas traditional attorneys tend to be more oriented to conflict and their advice tends to be adversarial. A divorce lawyer is a busy person so before you contact them know exactly what information you need them to supply.
Plan each conversation by making an agenda and write down the things you want to talk about; take notes on the content of the conversation and the amount of time spent on phone calls. Try to keep actual meetings to a minimum and where points have to be clarified, use the phone or send a letter.
Regard your attorney as a resource, not someone you depend on for emotional support because they cost too much for you to use them for sympathy and consolation; besides, you have family and friends for that. Stick to relevant facts when you contact your divorce lawyer; do not discuss other matters regarding your spouse unless they are pertinent to the divorce.
Let your lawyer know from the start that you will be in charge of the case and they are there for legal advice and not as someone to lean on when things start getting rough. If they are there purely to act in accordance with the legal issue of divorce it will be more efficient utilization of their services and you will be making the decisions. Ask that you be sent copies of all documents and letters and let them know that you expect phone calls to be answered by the next working day after all you are the one paying the bills.
Not all cases need a courtroom to be decided upon so you could employ a lawyer just to help you with a marital settlement, legal information or advice. After you have organized all your facts and read about how the law works in your case, if you still have questions about the law or the likely outcome, write all your questions down and ask your lawyer. Divorce lawyers can also help with marital settlements as well and do not need to be involved in anything more than this.
